There is currently an outbreak of salmonella in the United States caused by small lizards called “bearded dragons.”
- The bearded dragon is a small lizard.
- Bearded dragon acquisitions have exploded worldwide since the success of the Game of Thrones series.
- Bearded dragons can transmit salmonellosis.
While it’s tempting to give your pet a little kiss or cuddle, it’s not a good idea when it comes to the adorable little lizard known as the “bearded dragon”. In fact, a salmonella epidemic is currently raging in the United States because of this beast, whose acquisitions have exploded all over the world following the success of the series Games of Thrones.
Since January, 15 people have reported being infected with salmonella in nine different U.S. states. Four have been hospitalized due to the illness, but no deaths have been reported.
In interviews, seven individuals reported having been in contact with a bearded dragon in the week before they became ill. Furthermore, all of the patients had contracted the disease from closely related bacteria, and therefore likely came from the same type of animal.
“Bearded dragons can carry salmonella germs in their droppings, even if they appear healthy and clean,” warn in a press release Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “You can get sick from touching your bearded dragon or anything in its environment and then touching your mouth or food,” they continue.
Salmonellosis: how to care for your bearded dragon safely?
U.S. public health experts also issue several recommendations for bearded dragon owners:
– Wash your hands.
– Do not kiss your bearded dragon or hold him against you.
– Provide an enclosure reserved for your bearded dragon.
– Keep your bearded dragon away from your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.
– Clean your bearded dragon’s belongings outside the house if possible.
– If you must clean it inside, use a sink or bathtub, then thoroughly clean and disinfect the area immediately afterwards.
Salmonellosis: Bearded dragons are not recommended for children
Bearded dragons are not recommended as pets for people with weakened immune systems, individuals over the age of 65, and children under the age of 5.
Salmonellosis is a disease caused by enterobacteria of the genus Salmonella.In human pathology, salmonellosis includes two main types of illnesses: gastroenteritis and typhoid/paratyphoid fevers.“, precise Pasteur Institute.
